NEWARK, Del. - The University of Delaware announced plans Friday for the renovation of the Delaware Softball Diamond. Updates include:
- The installation of AstroTurf Diamond Series.
- Larger, heated dugouts.
- Expanded grandstands.
- An expanded press box with an HVAC system.
- A new video board.
- A concession and restroom building between the softball field and the Rullo field hockey stadium.
"As a lifelong athlete, I've seen firsthand the benefits of elevating and investing in women's sports teams and facilities, just as we've historically done for men's teams," said Delaware State House Speaker Valerie Longhurst. "The upcoming stadium renovations will significantly level the playing field and create new opportunities for the University of Delaware softball team, as well as student athletes from across the state, to shine. This project is also a win for Delaware, spurring job creation, boosting tourism and generating economic benefits that will ripple through our state."
Because of these renovations, specifically the addition of concessions and restrooms, the school is hoping to be able to support more external events to bring an increased revenue and tourism impact to the state. A similar thought process was behind $11.3 million in funding from the state's Sports Tourism Capital Investment fund to help pay for improvements and new projects at four facilities located throughout the state.
According to Ed Lefurge III, director of communications and creative services at UD's athletics department, Delaware Athletics, Community and Campus Recreation already drives $33 million in economic impact in the state from hosted athletic events each year. With the upcoming renovations in mind, UD was already selected to host the 2026 Conference USA Championship in May 2026, the university's first in the new league.
The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association is looking to partner with the University of Delaware to host state tournament semifinals as well as state championship games in the future, according to DIAA Executive Director David Baylor.
The project will be completed through capital funding thanks to a partnership between the state and university. Permanent lights were added in February and additional construction began after this year's DIAA softball championships on June 1. The updates are expected to be complete in time for the 2025 season.